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A Message from Pope John Paul II

"To be actively pro-life is to contribute to the renewal of society through the promotion of the common good. It is impossible to further the common good without acknowledging and defending the right to life, upon which all the other inalienable rights of individuals are founded and from which they develop." ~ Pope John Paul II, The Gospel of Life, n.101

Everything is grace, everything is the direct effect of our Father's love.Everything is grace because everything is God's gift.Whatever be the character of life or its unexpected events -- to the heart that loves, all is well.

What They're Saying About Catholic Fire

"Thank you Jean, you are a beautiful soldier for the cause. I appreciate your superb work. Keep it up!"
Lisa Mladinich
Amazing Catechists and Catholic Mom Puppet Show Ministry

" I’m amazed at your blog. I can barely get out one post a day and sometimes you have a few (and I now know how much work it takes to do that). You do a great job! "
Michelle, Unborn Word of the Day

"When I read your blog, I just want to comment on everything, your insights are just so on-key!" Leticia, Causa Nostrae Laetitiae and Cause of Our Joy.

"I enjoy your blog every day. It is the best Catholic blog out there. Thank you so much for all the work you put into it!"
Ellen Gable, author, "Emily's Hope"

"I love the zeal Jean puts into her posts, especially when it comes to the prolife movement." Esther, A Catholic Mom in Hawaii.

"Jean of Catholic Fire...provides so much informative content. She posts about pro-life issues and events, what happened 'on this day', biographies of saints, prayer intentions, and lots more each day. No matter what she's posting about, I can always come away each day feeling uplifted...and that's saying a lot for me, as I'm someone who often tries to avoid thinking about some of the political and other issues that she posts about. It must be her strong faith and trust in God, as well as her love, shining through her posts, that inspire me." Margaret Mary Myers , Reflections, Catholic BVI Readers, VIP Homeschooler.

Tuesday, January 31, 2006

I have spent more than half my life strategizing about how the people of God can most effectively fight and end abortion. There is no one line that summarizes my conclusions better than what St. Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:11, "Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them."

Evil flourishes when it is hidden; injustice festers when the victim is unseen. And history demonstrates that those who have overcome social injustices have followed Paul's advice to expose the evil. For instance, those who fought the slave trade in Britain went to the ports to draw pictures of the boats and how the slaves were kept in them like sardines.

Exposing evil causes it to collapse under its own weight, as it confronts the light of human conscience. Overcoming injustice does not require that everyone believe it is injustice. There is, rather, a critical mass at some point in the spectrum, when "enough" people are so convinced. The good news is that those people already have the conscience to reject the evil. The problem is that the evil hasn't been sufficiently exposed for them to see it.

So it is with abortion. The more it is exposed, the more people reject it. Public opinion on abortion in America has been amazingly stable since Roe vs. Wade. The most significant shift occurred when the details of the partial-birth abortion procedure were exposed in the mid-nineties. Never did a larger audience see and hear in more detail what abortion actually is.

Abortion needs to be exposed in five distinct ways:

Statistics. Most Americans have no idea of the immense numbers of abortions, or that abortions occur throughout pregnancy. The abortion supporters themselves provide us the statistics. See the Alan Guttmacher Institute's website, http://www.agi-/usa.org. Just seeing these facts awakens many people that a change in abortion policy is necessary.

Descriptions. Medical textbooks like Abortion Practice use the word "decapitate" and "dismember" to describe what happens to the baby in abortion. Moreover, there are now more sworn court testimonies from practicing abortionists than ever before, on all different abortion procedures (see www.priestsforlife.org/pba). Again, the abortionists' own words work against them! When we expose evil in this way, nobody can accuse us of making it up!

Devastation to women, men, and families. More and more mothers, fathers, and families of aborted children speak out about how they have been devastated. The power of their testimony changes minds and hearts. (See www.SilentNoMoreAwareness.org/testmonies).

Corruption in the abortion industry. Read the book Lime 5 (contact us) and see how malpractice, fraud, and sexual abuse are rampant in legal abortion clinics. See http://www.clinicworker.com/ to learn of other abuses and violations.The road to ending abortion is clearly open in front of us. Simply take the evidence above and put it before the conscience of everyone you can.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Samuel Anthony Alito Jr. was sworn in as the nation's 110th Supreme Court justice on Tuesday after being confirmed by the Senate in one of the most partisan victories in modern history.

Alito was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts in a private ceremony at the Supreme Court building across from the Capitol at about 12:40 p.m., EDT, court officials said.

Alito and his wife, Martha-Ann Bomgardner, along with other members of the court and their spouses, attended the ceremony in the justices' conference room. The 55-year-old New Jersey jurist took both the constitutional and judicial oaths so he can immediately participate in court decisions.

This came only hours after the Senate voted 58-42 to confirm Alito - a former federal appellate judge, U.S. attorney, and conservative lawyer for the Reagan administration from New Jersey - as the replacement for retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who has been a moderate swing vote on the court.All but one of the Senate's majority Republicans voted for his confirmation, while all but four of the Democrats voted against Alito. That is the smallest number of senators in the president's opposing party to support a Supreme Court justice in modern history. Chief Justice John Roberts got 22 Democratic votes last year, and Justice Clarence Thomas - who was confirmed in 1991 on a 52-48 vote - got 11 Democratic votes.

Today, I am praising and thanking the Lord for...1. The confirmation of Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.2. closing on my new home...alleluia!I am praying for...1. employment for Gilles, father of seven children, who has just been laid off from his job.2. guidance from the Holy Spirit for Samuel Alito in his decision-making duties on the Supreme Court.3. an end to the culture of death, a renewal of the culture of life, and a deep respect for all human life, from the moment of conception to natural death.4. world peace, an end to terrorism, and for safety for all our military who are in harm's way.5. guidance, wisdom, and knowledge for President Bush in leading our country.6. conversion and reversion for all of our family members and friends.7. a special intention for Amy P.8. my own special intention.9. all who are blogging for life.10. the reversal of Roe V. Wade.11. an increase in vocations to the priesthood and to the consecrated life.

Two men died and went to heaven. God greeted them, and said "I'm sorry, gentlemen, but your mansions aren't ready yet. Until they are, I can send you back to earth as whatever you want to be."

"Great!" said the first guy, "I want to be an eagle soaring above beautiful scenery!"

"No problem," replied God, and POOF! The guy was gone.

"And what do you want to be," God asked the other guy.

"I'd like to be one cool stud!" was the reply.

"Easy," replied God, and the other guy was gone.

After a few months, their mansions were finished, and God sent an angel to fetch them back. "You'll find them easily," he says, "One of them is soaring above the Grand Canyon, and the other one is on a snow tire somewhere in Detroit!"

"The early feminists found abortion to be the ultimate exploitation of women. [Women had to] become men to compete. We bought into that. We're smarter today. It's more empowering to go through with your pregnancy."

Born in 1815, Giovanni (John) Melchior Bosco was the youngest son of a poor farmer in hamlet of Becchi in northern Italy. John lost his father at age two and was raised by his mother, Margaret Bosco, a hard working woman who struggled to raise three sons on her own.At age nine, John had a dream that predicted his vocation. In the dream, he was surrounded by a crowd of swearing and fighting children he attempted to pacify, first by reasoning with them verbally, then by hitting them. Then, suddenly a mysterious woman appeared who instructed him, “Softly, softly…if you wish to win them! Take your shepherds staff if you wish to lead them to pasture.” As she spoke the children transformed first into wild beasts, then into lambs.From this time on, John believed that it was his duty to lead and to help other boys.He began teaching the children of his village catechism, first amusing them with acrobatics and magic tricks, at which he became quite skilled. One Sunday morning, when John saw a traveling gymnast and juggler entertaining the children, he challenged him to a match and beat him at his own tricks. Then he marched off to church, followed by an audience of admirers. John had a very informal education.When he was staying with an aunt who was a servant to a priest, the priest taught him to read and write. At sixteen, he entered the seminary to begin his studies for the priesthood and was so poor that his clothing had to be provided by charity. He studied theology in Turin and continued to volunteer to help abandoned and neglected homeless boys.His first assignment as a priest was assistant chaplain at a home for girls, which allowed him to help his boys in his spare time. With help from the founder of the girls’ home, Marchesa Barolo, a wealthy philanthropist, he was able to set up a combination Sunday school / recreation center for the boys on the grounds owned by the Marchesa. The boys were rowdy, unruly and sometimes even picked flowers from the garden, so the Marchesa quickly changed her mind.For more than a year the group was regarded as a nuisance by the property owners of the town and no suitable meeting place could be found. Finally, he found an old shed to use as a meeting place. The Marchesa now gave him an ultimatum – to give up his work with the boys or to resign his post at the orphanage for girls. He immediately resigned and chose to serve the boys – who now numbered several hundred.As a result of all this stress, John Bosco developed a severe case of pneumonia and nearly died. When he recovered, he went to live in some rundown rooms near the meeting place, where his mother served as his housekeeper and assistant. He opened a night school and two more youth centers in Turin, and began to build housing for destitute boys.Next, he built a church, which he named St. Frances de Sales, followed by the construction of another home for his growing family.The boys he enrolled as boarders were of two different types: young apprentices and craftsmen, and other youths whom St. John Bosco perceived to be future helpers, with possible future vocations to the priesthood. He managed them all and taught them well without the need for punishment.St. John Bosco was a popular preacher and was always in demand. He spent his remaining time writing appealing, high – interest level books for boys, which were virtually non-existent at that time. He worked late into the night, writing historical books and faith – based books, but was forced to give up writing due to his failing eyesight.On January 26, 1854, a group of men met to form a new apostolate based upon practical works of charity. The group took the name of Salesian after the great bishop of Geneva, St. Frances de Sales. In 1858, John went to Rome, taking the rules of the Order with him and received preliminary approval from Pope Pius IX.Sixteen years later, he received full approval.His next great accomplishment was the founding of an order of women to care for girls and to provide for their needs. In 1862, he organized a group of twenty-seven young women whom he named the Daughters of St. Mary Auxiliatrix, the Helper.As he grew older, his health weakened and on the morning of January 31, 1888, he died in Turin. St. John Bosco was canonized in 1934.Messages From St. John Bosco“Do you want Our Lord to give you many graces? Visit Him often. Do you want Him to give you few graces? Visit him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you.”“This was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized and still others to hope for God’s mercy. And so He bade us to be gentle and humble of heart.”“Your reward in heaven will make up completely for all your pain and suffering.”~ Taken from Gold in the Furnace copyright 2004 Jean M. Heimann

Monday, January 30, 2006

Catholic PRWire Hanover, Pennsylvania – Many Catholics have good reason to be concerned about the erosion of moral values at Catholic universities and colleges during the weeks surrounding Saint Valentine’s day. This is the time when students are afflicted by a play called “The V-Monologues,” scheduled to be staged at twenty-one Catholic campuses across the country.Tradition Family Property Student Action is opposing the play again this year, urging its members on 716 campuses to protest. According to the TFP’s web site, the play is offensive: “In one scene, a woman describes her seduction by a lesbian woman when she was 16 years old, declaring it her ‘salvation’ and an important coming-of-age experience.” “I cannot imagine why this immoral play would be shown anywhere, let alone at twenty-one Catholic universities,” said TFP Student Action director John Ritchie. “We are asking our affiliate members on 716 campuses, and all concerned Catholics, to protest by signing a personal online letter addressed to every university where the play is scheduled,” he said. “In less than twenty-four hours, 800 people have already signed our petition. Catholic universities should be morally correct, not politically correct. What our colleges need is modesty, not vulgarity.” Together with the Cardinal Newman Society, TFP Student Action has protested “The V-Monologues” in the past with success. In 2003, thirty-two Catholic institutions planned to allow the play on campus. This year, only twenty-one Catholic universities appear willing to allow it. Most Reverend John M. D'Arcy, bishop of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, issued a public statement criticizing the play after it staged at the University of Notre Dame in 2004. Last week, the president of Providence College, Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P., Ph.D., banned the play on his campus. “Doubtless some will reply that this is a violation of artistic freedom. But artistic freedom on a Catholic campus cannot mean the complete license to perform or display any work of art regardless of its intellectual or moral content,” said Fr. Shanley. “Any institution which sanctioned works of art that undermined its deepest values would be inauthentic, irresponsible, and ultimately self-destructive.”It seems as if we go through this every year with our Catholic colleges. Why do our youth enroll in Catholic colleges in the first place? It is certainly not to grow further away from God, but to become more solidly committed Catholics and to grow stronger in their faith. So why are Catholic college administrators/educators permitting this travesty to occur? This play is not about "violence against women" but is a pornographic description of lesbianism and adolescent rape. It is strongly anti-marriage and against evcerything the Catholic Church teaches. The “Monologues” presents women discussing their sexuality and sexual encounters, replete with vulgarity, explicit language, and graphic descriptions of lesbian activity and masturbation. So why are Catholic administrators/educators encouraging our youth to view this filth when there are many more wholesome forms of entertainment available? There are more than enough temptations in the real world so why feed them this garbage? This is a perverse exhibition of radical feminism which is designed to destroy the moral fiber of our youth. Catholics view sex as sacred and beautiful; this play portrays it as vile and ugly. What is the purpose? Is it money? Is it to satisfy their own pornographic desires or perverse fantasies? Why won't they just say "No"?

To learn more about this and to sign the petition to put a stop to this, go here and here.

The 2006 Catholic Blog Awards are open. Nominations will end this Friday. I have a lot of wonderful Catholic blogs that I want to nominate. I also hope this blog does win a nomination to anything. I am not sure which category it fits into, but best blog by a woman seems to be the best fit overall. Just to be nominated would be a great honor. There are so many inspirational and well-written Catholic blogs out there. You can go here http://www.catholicblogawards.com/ to nominate your favorites. Being nominated is a great tribute and a kind way to give your favorite bloggers a pat on the back.

VATICAN CITY, JAN 29, 2006 (VIS) - The primacy of charity and its most privileged witnesses, in other words the saints, provided the central theme of the Pope's reflections this morning, before praying the Angelus with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.

Benedict XVI referred to his first Encyclical, "Deus caritas est," published last Wednesday, January 25, saying that saints "have all made of their lives, though with a thousand differing shades, a hymn to the God of Love." He particularly recalled those saints whose feast days are commemorated over this period and "who are very different from one another: the Apostle Paul with the disciples Timothy and Titus ... belong to the very roots of the Church, missionaries of the first evangelization. Thomas Aquinas, from the Middle Ages, is the model of a Catholic theologian who found Christ in the supreme synthesis of truth and love. Angela Merici, in the period of the Renaissance, proposed a way of sanctity for those who live in the lay state. In the modern age, we have John Bosco who, enflamed by the charity of Jesus the Good Shepherd, cared for disadvantaged children."

"In truth," he continued, "the entire history of the Church is a history of sanctity, animated by the one Love which has its source in God. Indeed, only supernatural charity, such as that which flows ever new from the heart of Christ, can explain the prodigious flowering over the centuries of religious orders and institutes both male and female, as well as other forms of consecrated life. ... These men and women, whom the Spirit of Christ has formed as models of evangelical devotion, lead us to consider the importance of consecrated life as an expression, and a school, of charity."

The Pope closed his comments by recalling how "on February 2, Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church celebrates the Day of Consecrated Life. On that afternoon, as John Paul II used to like to do, I will preside at Mass in the Vatican Basilica. ... Together we will give thanks to God for the gift of consecrated life and pray that it may continue in the world as an eloquent sign of His merciful love."

The answer is yes, if Hollywood's Rosanna Arquette gets her way.According to the World Entertainment News Network, the star of "Desperately Seeking Susan" wants to have the New York senator play a part in a documentary about PMS.

"I'm so fascinated about this. I have so many friends who are hitting 40 and are flipping out," said Arquette. "I think it hasn't been talked about so I'll be interviewing a bunch of people about it. I want to interview movie stars and rock stars, people on the street and then I want to interview Hillary Clinton."

Arquette has recently had success as a director with her debut documentary titled "Searching For Debra Winger," in which she examined actresses struggling to find meaningful roles after reaching age 40."I also want the men's response to it and how they deal with it because I think that will be funny. It hasn't been talked about in a way that could just enlighten people," Arquette told WENN. "When they find out that women's brains swell and it's physiological. I screamed so much when I saw this new commercial for birth control for women where you only have to bleed four times a year. What are they thinking? It's insane what they are doing to women."

I knew that Hillary had a talent for something -- I believe that she'll make a perfect candidate for this role. Do it, Hillary! Do it for women's rights. You go, girl!

Sunday, January 29, 2006

I have added some new books to the sidebar, which I purchased at Borders today and have started reading. I have less than two weeks to learn some basic Italian for the pilgrimage with my Community, which begins on the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes.Much of my time lately has been devoted to spiritual preparation for the trip by interceding for those who will be traveling with me and by spending extra time in prayer during Eucharistic Adoration and of course, attending Holy Mass daily, praying the rosary daily, and the Liturgy of the Hours, as well as novena prayers.What is a pilgrimage? A pilgrimage is not a tour. Pilgrimage comes from the Latin word "pregrinum", which means “to wander over a distance." A pilgrimage is a sacred act in which we go forward in a spirit of faith, hope and charity.

When we are on pilgrimage we PRAY, DO PENANCE, REJOICE. We also hope to convert more deeply to love—to grow in faith, hope and charity.As the Community of St. John, we go on this pilgrimage to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Community in the presence of our new Pope, Benedict XVI. Other purposes of our pilgrimage are to convert more deeply to love, beg for graces (we may get different graces than those for which we asked.), and to remind ourselves that earth is not our home. OUR ULTIMATE PURPOSE IS TO SEE GOD! Our life-time pilgrimage is our journey to the beatific vision! And Jesus, who is the Way, leads us there.I can hardly wait, as this will be my first trip to Europe and my first pilgrimage there. Other places I have traveled to outside of the U.S. include Aruba and Toronto, Canada. Has anyone traveled to Rome before? What were your experiences like? Do you have any travel suggestions or advice?

Ford Motor Company has solidly rebuffed a coalition of pro-family groups and has said it will continue to promote the homosexual agenda and advertise all of its products in “gay”- themed publications. This news was received by pro-family groups just prior to Ford’s announcement that it would undergo a major restructuring. Bob Knight, Director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute, has been following this situation and brings us an update. Click here to listen.This is so sad -- the way they treat their workers as well as their promotion of the culture of death. Lord, have mercy! Please help them change their ways.Via Concerned Women for America.

"Millions of Americans are sick and tired of their tax dollars being used to underwrite Planned Parenthood - the largest abortion chain and most aggressive promoter of sexual immorality in our nation," said David Bereit, executive director of American Life League. "On the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that forced abortion upon all 50 states, American Life League is launching an aggressive nationwide campaign to stop every dollar of Planned Parenthood taxpayer funding at the local, state, and national levels."

"Since the Roe v. Wade decision, Planned Parenthood has aborted more than three million innocent American children, and scarred countless women for a lifetime," said Bereit. "Six states have already blocked Planned Parenthood taxpayer funding, and American Life League is working to build on this momentum and achieve similar results in the remaining 44 states."

According to its latest annual report, Planned Parenthood took in more than $265 million in federal, state and local tax funding in the last fiscal year, amounting to approximately one-third of the organization's income. "Planned Parenthood will not survive without our taxpayer dollars," said Bereit. "That's why people of faith and conscience are uniting in historic numbers to hit the abortion giant where it hurts the most - in the pocketbook."

You strive to please others and compromise anyway you can.War or conflict bothers you, and you would do anything to keep the peace.You are a good mediator and a true negotiator.Sometimes you do too much, trying so hard to make people happy.

While you keep the peace, you tend to be secretly judgmental.You lose respect for people who don't like to both give and take.On the flip side, you've got a great sense of humor and wit.You're always dimplomatic and able to give good advice.

Souls you are most compatible with: Warrior Soul, Hunter Soul and Visionary Soul

Saint Thomas Aquinas is was a 13th century Dominican priest, philosopher, and theologican. As a Doctor of the Church, he has been given the title "Angelic Doctor" and is the patron of Catholic universities and schools. St. Thomas reflected the Dominican ideal. He was a true contemplative who shared the fruits of contemplation with others.

Major Life Events

1225 Born to a noble family in Italy

1230 (age 5) Placed in the Monastery of Monte Cassino to be educated

1239 (age 14) Attends the University of Naples

1244 (age 19) Joins the Dominican Order, the Order Friars Preachers

1245 (age 20) Placed under the instruction of St. Albert the Great

1250 (age 25) Ordained to the priesthood

1255 (age 30) Receives his Doctorate in Theology

1256 (age 31) Named Professor at University of Paris

1258 (age 33) Writes Summa contra Gentiles

1265 (age 40) Appointed Archbishop of Naples by Pope Clement. He turns it down to work on Summa Theologia.

1272 (age 47) Appointed head of the faculty of theology at the University of Naples.

The Eucharist is the Sacrament of Love; It signifies Love, It produces love. The Eucharist is the consummation of the whole spiritual life.

How is it they live in such harmonythe billions of stars - when most men can barely go a minutewithout declaring war in their minds about someone they know.There are wars where no one marches with a flag, thought that does not keep casualties from mounting.Our hearts irrigate this earth. We are fields before each other.How can we live in harmony?First we need to know we are All madly in love with the same God.

Friendship is the source of the greatest pleasures, and without friends even the most agreeable pursuits become tedious.

A man has free choice to the extent that he is rational.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.

To convert somebody, go and take them by the hand and guide them.

Peace is the work of justice indirectly, in so far as justice removes the obstacles to peace; but it is the work of charity (love) directly, since charity, according to its very notion, causes peace.

In order for a war to be just, three things are necessary. First, the authority of the sovereign. Secondly, a just cause. Thirdly, a rightful intention.

The end of all my labors has come. All that I have written appears to me as much straw after the things that have been revealed to me.

A person is disposed to an act of choice by an angel ... in two ways: Sometimes, a man's understanding is enlightened by an angel to know what is good, but it is not instructed as to the reason why ... But sometimes he is instructed by angelic illumination, both that this act is good and as to the reason why it is good.

Happiness is secured through virtue; it is a good attained by man's own will.

Most men seem to live according to sense rather than reason.

Because philosophy arises from awe, a philosopher is bound in his way to be a lover of myths and poetic fables. Poets and philosophers are alike in being big with wonder.

Well-ordered self-love is right and natural.

It is requisite for the relaxation of the mind that we make use, from time to time, of playful deeds and jokes.

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.

Almighty and Eternal God, behold I come to the Sacrament of Your only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. As one sick, I come to the Physician of life; unclean, to the Fountain of mercy; blind, to the Light of eternal splendor; poor and needy, to the Lord of heaven and earth. Therefore, I beg of You, through Your infinite mercy and generosity, heal my weakness, wash my uncleanness, give light to my blindness, enrich my poverty, and clothe my nakedness. May I thus receive the Bread of Angels, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, with such reverence and humility, contrition and devotion, purity and faith, purpose and intention, as shall aid my soul's salvation ...

Father, help us to emulate St. Thomas Aquinas in His humility and to use the gifts You have given us wisely to draw others to You. Help us to gently take them by the hand and guide them into Your open arms.

Theology 911 * Final Exam1 Summarize Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologiae in three succinct sentences. You may use your Bible.2. St. Martin of Tours, Pope Clement VII and Karl Barth were not contemporaries. Had they known each other, how might the history of the Reformation have turned out differently?3. Define a moral system that satisfies Liberals, Conservatives, Moderates, and the entire population of Ancient Rome, ca. 3 BCE.4. Memorize the Bible. Recite it in tongues.5. Imagine you have the stigmata. Would it affect your productivity at work? Would you still be admitted into fine restaurants? Would it be covered by your medical insurance, or should it constitute a pre-existent condition?6. What would it mean to be eternal, co-eternal, and non-existent all at once?7. St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Augustine of Hippo decide to rob a bank. The note to the teller is 1,200 pages long, not counting footnotes, complete with a promise of damnation if the teller does not accept immediate Baptism. In the middle of the heist, they engage in an extended debate as to whether or not the money really exists. Are they committing a mortal or a venial sin?8. Speculate on what the current status of salvation history might have been if Abraham had just stayed in Ur.

Friday, January 27, 2006

Today I am praying for...1. a renewal of the culture of life and a respect for all human life throughout the world from the moment of conception to natural death.2. healing for all those who are suffering from the traumatic spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical effects of abortion.3. all those who are in need of healing -- especially those who are most in need of spiritual healing and conversion.4. an increase in vocations to the religious life and for strength, support, and protection for all our priests and religious.5. the quick confirmation of Alito to the Supreme Court and that when confirmed, he will stand up for the dignity of all human life.6. the conversion of all our pro-death governors and legislators.7. a special intention.8. a successful and safe pilgrimage for all those who will be traveling with me to Rome in February and for their good health.9. all bloggers who are supporting the culure of life for the grace to continue to do the Lord's work and spread the truth to all nations.10. the father of a friend who is in the hospital dying.11.the repose of the soul of Kathleen, a friend of Moneybag's family who passed away today and for comfort and peace for all those who are mourning her death.

Today is the feast day of St. Angela Merici, the foundress of the Ursulines. Angela was born on March 21, 1474 at Desenzano, Lake Garda, Italy and died on January 27, 1540 in Brescia. Angela’s parents died when she was only ten years old. Together, with her older sister, she moved to the nearby town of Salo, to live with her uncle. When her sister died quite suddenly without receiving the last sacraments, Angela was deeply upset. At the age of 15, she became a Franciscan tertiary and greatly increased her prayers and sacrifices for the repose of her sister's soul. She asked God to reveal to her the condition of her deceased sister and He answered her prayer by showing her through a vision that her sister was in Heaven.When her uncle died, she returned to live at Desenzano to make a life for herself. She was convinced of the need for women to be educated in their faith and converted her home into a school where she daily gathered all the girls of Desenzano and taught them the basics of Christianity. It was at this time that she received a vision, which led her to found a religious order who were to devote their lives to the spiritual education of young women. The school she established at Desenzano was so successful that she was invited to the nearby city of Brescia, to establish a school there, which she accepted.During a pilgrimage to Holy Land, while visiting Crete, Angela was struck blind. This did not interrupt her trip, however, but she continued on the journey, visiting the shrines with as much devotion and enthusiasm as if she still had her sight. On the way home, while praying before a crucifix, her sight was miraculously restored at the same place where it had been lost.In 1525, Pope Clement VII, who had heard of her great holiness and her success as a religious teacher of young girls, invited her to remain in Rome; however, Angela returned to Brescia to live a quiet life, away from the limelight.In 1535, Angela selected twelve women and laid the foundation of the order of the Ursulines in a small house near the Church of St. Afra in Brescia. She died only five years later. St. Angela's body is incorrupt. She was beatified in 1768 by Pope Clement XIII and canonized in 1807 by Pope Pius VII.She is the patron saint of physically challenged people, sick people, and of those who have lost their parents.Quotes From St. Angela Merci:Disorder in society is the result of disorder in the family. We must give alms. Charity wins souls and draws them to virtue. As our Savior says: "A good tree is not able to produce bad fruit." He says: A good tree, that is, a good heart as well as a soul on fire with charity, can do nothing but good and holy works. For this reason Saint Augustine said: "Love, and do what you will," namely, possess love and charity and then do what you will. It is as if he had said: Charity is not able to sin. Mothers of children, even if they have a thousand, carry each and every one fixed in their hearts, and because of the strength of their love they do not forget any of them. In fact, it seems that the more children they have the more their love and care for each one is increased. Be sincerely kind to every one according to the words of our Lord: "Learn of me, for I am meek and humble of heart." Thus you are imitating God, of whom it is said: "He has disposed all things pleasantly." And again Jesus said: "My yoke is easy and my burden light." ~ From Spiritual Testament by Saint Angela Merici

Failed presidential candidate and flunkee "Catholic" Kerry is encouraging his fellow democrats in the Senate to filibuster Alito at the 11th hour in an attempt to make it appear as if he is actually doing something constructive for his pro-death constituents. He called from Switzerland -- demonstrating that hobnobbing with international politicians in Europe is much more important than attending to the affairs of this county. Of course the abortionists are all thrilled with his political move, which even "Darth Durbin" admits is doomed to failure. ("I've come to the conclusion that it is highly unlikely that a filibuster would succeed," IL Senator Durbin concedes.)

Even more ridiculous than his calling for the filibuster is his reason for rejecting Alito -- because Anne Coulter likes him. The man must be genius to come up with an idea like this.

Thursday, January 26, 2006

Haleigh Poutre was given a death sentence by doctors who said she was “virtually brain dead” and in a “hopeless” state of “persistent vegetation”.

The eleven year-old was hospitalized after her stepfather allegedly burned her and beat her unconscious with a baseball bat. Less than three weeks later, the Massachusetts Department of Social Services pushed to remove Haleigh's feeding tube and respirator and won approval from the State Supreme Court to so.

Despite her "hopeless" condition, and her status as "virtually brain dead", she reportedly began showing signs of improvement and was weaned off her ventilator. An outside doctor gave a positive second opinion and now Haleigh has a shot at life.A sad and diabolical twist to the story is the fact that the DSS, the agency that petitioned the court to end her life, was aware that she had suffered injuries prior to the event that left her incapacitated and hospitalized.

Michelle Malkin challenged Hollywood's "Save Tookie" crowd to apply their "err on the side of life" standard to an innocent child for once.

-- A commentary by Fr. Frank PavoneNational Director, Priests for LifePresident, National Pro-life Religious Council

There are pro-life people who work in Hollywood, and two of them – Jonathan and Deborah Flora – have created a new tool to help the American people wrestle with abortion. “A Distant Thunder” is a powerful new 35-minute film that combines courtroom drama and supernatural warfare to help reveal the reality of what abortion does to a baby, and to the baby’s mother. The film helps the viewer wrestle with the issues and their implications, but is not presented in explicitly pro-life or religious themes. What it does, instead, is to help the viewer touch some of the aspects of the abortion issue that the other sides tries so desperately to cover up. In touching these painful and often scary facets of the issue, the viewer has the opportunity to let the light of conscience and compassion inform his or her conclusions.

The court case is about a partial-birth abortion that went wrong. The abortionist is on trial, not for having done a partial-birth abortion, but for what he did when the procedure went awry. One of the key witnesses is the nurse who witnessed the abortion. She testifies to how the procedure takes place, and to what went wrong this particular time. Her testimony brings to mind a number of real events related to abortion in the past ten years, and also reveals the striking contradiction between the care we give to the born and the brutality abortion allows to the pre-born. “What difference does three inches make?” is the question in the film and in reality. How can it be that when the baby’s head is in the birth canal we can kill her, but if it is pulled three inches farther, we can’t? The cognitive dissonance created by this absurd state of abortion policy is accented by reference to the Unborn Victims of Violence Act, which recognizes the unborn child as a victim when, in the commission of a federal crime, a pregnant woman is injured or killed. How can the same child, if killed in a federal crime, be a victim, but if killed by an abortionist, be no more significant than medical waste? Common sense tells us that it’s the same child.

The nurse’s eyewitness testimony reveals to the jury the incredible details of a partial-birth abortion: the abortionist delivers the baby in a breach position, all but the head, and then creates an opening in the back of the neck with scissors. Then, inserting a catheter, he suctions out the contents of the skull. This description of the procedure reflects that contained in the medical paper issued by Dr. Martin Haskell in 1992 at a Risk Management Seminar of the National Abortion Federation. In the film, the reaction of the jury to these details is predictable. They are disgusted and horrified, as are the American people in general when they hear about this procedure. The reaction of the defense attorney is also predictable. He objects that it is unnecessary to relate these graphic details in the courtroom. This brings to mind a scene from “Judgment at Nuremburg” when, after a film is shown in the courtroom of the indisputable horror of the Holocaust, the defense argues that it is inappropriate to show such graphic imagery in the court. Similar objections were made in the halls of the US Congress when the diagrams of partial-birth abortion were shown during the debates about whether to ban it.

But in fact, we cannot honestly wrestle with abortion until we face what it is and what it does. A Distant Thunder assists us to do precisely that.

Just as significant as what occurs in the courtroom is what occurs in the prosecutor’s office, and in her personal life outside the office. She is given numerous and perplexing indications that this is no ordinary case, and that it involves her in a far deeper way than she can realize. She wrestles with nightmares and intrusions of the supernatural that give the viewer a clue to the surprise ending of the story. The struggles of this prosecutor (played by Deborah Flora) represent the struggles of each one of us regarding abortion. It is an issue that speaks to us about our own life and death, our own family and relationships, our successes and failures, our God and our demons, our responsibilities and our limitations. When the prosecutor is given the case and she expresses doubt about whether she should take it, her mentor says, “This case has your name written all over it.” Indeed, abortion has the name of each of us written all over it, because the destiny of the unborn in inextricably bound up with the destiny of the born. The extent to which we no longer recognize the humanity of the child in the womb is the extent to which we have lost sight of our own.

The film also reveals the psychological storms that take place in the mind of someone who has an abortion. In the pro-life movement in our day, the presence of women who publicly declare, “I Regret My Abortion” and of the men who declare, “I Regret Lost Fatherhood,” has become a powerful dimension of the public debate. The testimonies of these parents of aborted children bring abortion out of the realm of slogans, abstractions, and rationalizations, and leave the rest of us convinced that it is about as benign as an earthquake or a tsunami – or perhaps a distant thunder that has come too close for comfort.

Without a doubt, this film will become one of the most powerful tools to make people think and wrestle with the abortion issue, and will challenge them to do something about it.

“This might be our last March,” some declared, on a not-too-cold January 23, 2006, on the streets of Washington, DC. They meant that we are closer than ever to victory over abortion. The crowd at the March for Life (for which reliable size estimates were not given) had a special note of confidence, building on the sense of accomplishment that permeated the event last year because of the pro-life election victories. This year, people were feeling the effects of those election victories as they witness before their eyes the changes on the Supreme Court. Many of the speeches at the March for Life rally and on other occasions throughout the day echoed that theme. I also noticed this year that more people than ever told me it was their first time at the March for Life. We seem to have had a large new wave of recruits this year.

Terri Schiavo

I believe that one reason for the large wave of new recruits was the Terri Schiavo tragedy of last Spring. Terri’s murder was the last straw for many people who have been sitting on the sidelines of the pro-life battle. They saw the connection between that and abortion, and decided to get involved. Many of them marched.

Among the marchers were Terri Schiavo’s mom and dad, Mary and Bob Schindler, and her brother Bobby Schindler. They thanked the crowd of marchers at the Rally. They were also present with me in the US Senate in the morning when we had a prayer service in the prestigious Senate Caucus Room in the Russell Building. I presented them with the “Pro-life Recognition Award,” on behalf of the National Pro-life Religious Council. Clergy from dozens of denominations, and activists from across the nation, filling the room to overflowing, rose to their feet to acknowledge the courage and fidelity of the Schindler family despite the vicious attacks and legal disappointments they faced as they tried to save Terri’s life. In my remarks before presenting them with the award, I mentioned that while people often get awards for what they do, this was especially an award for who they are. They did not seek the spotlight – it came to them by circumstances beyond their control. And yet when that spotlight landed on them, it revealed a family united in love, and ready to go to great lengths of sacrifice to defend their daughter and sister. The Schindlers simply showed us what we are all supposed to do. This stands in stark contrast to the misguided and deceived “loyalty” on the part of those who, claiming they were following Terri’s wishes, killed her. Killing a person is always contrary to love for that person, even if the person requests it (which Terri did not).

Senator Sam Brownback

At that same prayer service, I presented the Pro-life Recognition Award to United States Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas. The Board of the National Pro-life Religious Council had voted to give Senator Brownback this award, because he is one of the pro-life movement’s best friends in Washington, DC. I said in my remarks that he is not one who can simply be counted on to vote with us when the pro-life battles come. Rather, he goes forward pro-actively to seek the battles and to work to advance the cause. He does not simply wait “for the right time;” rather, he knows that the time is always right for justice. His remarks at the confirmation hearings for Chief Justice John Roberts, and for Judge Samuel Alito, zero in on exactly what the pro-life movement has to say about Roe vs. Wade. In fact, last Spring, Senator Brownback led hearings on Roe vs. Wade itself, probing its negative impact on women, families, society, and law.

The President

It was a special joy during the Rally before the march to hear from President Bush, who addressed the marchers by telephone. He said something about the pro-life movement that he has not said about other movements. He called it “noble”. He said we must especially protect unborn children, and pledged to continue to work with us to build a Culture of Life.

Silent No More

As usual, I marched with the women of the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, at the front of the march. They were holding their signs saying “I Regret My Abortion.” The Washington Post ran a front page photo of those signs, hence showing all our government officials this dimension of the movement and the message: What harms the baby harms the mother, too. (The Silent No More Awareness Campaign is a project of Priests for Life and NOEL.)

When we reached the Supreme Court, the women and I took up our position as a group on the corner, facing the marchers who were behind us. As the tens of thousands of marchers came by, so many came up to us, and thanked the women for their courage in speaking up publicly so that other women – and our whole society – will not be deceived by the suggestion that abortion somehow helps women. After the entire march filed by, the women then assembled directly in front of the Supreme Court and offered their testimonies, one by one, over loudspeakers to an assembled crowd of several hundred people. Some men spoke as well of the grief they endure for having had their children aborted. Various radio outlets called in to get some of the women to share their testimony on the air. One woman gave her testimony in Spanish. All the listeners were moved, and renewed in their determination to speak out about the devastation caused by abortion.

These women want to share their testimonies. They see it as the best thing they can do to praise God for his healing power, and to invite others to repentance. They long to counteract the destructive lies of those who promote abortion. In sharing their stories publicly, in fact, they do what for many years and decades they have longed to do, but never had the strength because they were locked in the silence of shame. Their testimony itself is a victory for life, for grace, and for truth.

A Distant ThunderMany other things took place surrounding the most visible events of the March for Life. For example, there is always a March for Life Convention that takes place in the days immediately before the March. This convention occurred at the Hyatt Regency hotel on Capitol Hill, and consisted of educational seminars led by various speakers, additional testimonies of women who had abortions, and exhibit booths from various pro-life groups. One of the highlights of the convention was the airing of the new film “A Distant Thunder.” This film, written by Jonathan Flora, brings the expertise of Hollywood to the pro-life message. It is an intriguing story revolving around a court case about a partial-birth abortion that went wrong. As the drama unfolds, the viewer is brought through some of the most striking legal and medical facts surrounding abortion, and the contradictions it introduces into our society. The film shows the supernatural dimension of the struggle between life and death, as well as the psychological storms that take place in the mind of someone who has an abortion. Without a doubt, this film – which is 35 minutes in length – will become one of the most powerful tools to make people think and wrestle with the abortion issue.ConclusionThirty years ago I participated in my first March for Life – January 22, 1976. That is when my own pro-life activism began. The enthusiasm I felt that day for the cause of justice for our unborn brothers and sisters has only grown. As I marched, I rejoiced in the knowledge that so many of the students there would be inspired the same way. As always, the most enjoyable aspect of the march for me was the opportunity to greet in person a continuous stream of pro-life people from across the nation who are part of this great movement. So many had the opportunity to thank me for the work we do at Priests for Life. I say “You’re welcome” and “Thank you for the work you do as well!” Together, we will celebrate the victory!

We had no doubt that abortion would be the central concern of those who oppose the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court. His confirmation process so far has demonstrated that this was the case.

Judge Alito did not say one way or the other whether he would vote to overturn Roe vs. Wade. That is as it should be, because a nominee should not comment in advance on a judgment that he may need to make when on the Court. Yet Judge Alito also did not say that Roe vs. Wade was "settled law," like some Senators wanted him to say. He refused to go along with the idea that Roe was impossible to revisit or reverse.

For pro-abortion Senators, of course, this is the red flag.Yet nominees for the Courts are not supposed to be politicians with platforms that prove acceptable or unacceptable to the Senators who confirm them. Rather, the Senators have the duty to examine the qualifications of the nominee, and Judge Alito comes to this nomination with a greater amount of judicial experience than any other Supreme Court nominee, as well as with outstanding ratings and endorsements from his peers.The Washington Post, in a recent editorial, said Alito is "undeniably a conservative" but that nominees should not be opposed on ideology alone. "To go down that road is to believe that there exists a Democratic law and a Republican law — which is repugnant to the ideal of the rule of law," the newspaper said. "While we harbor some anxiety about the direction he may push the court, we would be more alarmed at the long-term implications of denying him a seat."

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif, and a supporter of legal abortion, said of Alito, "This might be a man I disagree with, but it doesn't mean he shouldn't be on the court....I was impressed with his ability to maintain a very even demeanor," she said on CBS' "Face the Nation." "I think there is an additional weight you must give to his background, his qualifications and his ability," she said.

Other Democrats, however, under pressure from various pro-abortion groups, have attempted to derail the nomination by bringing politics and ideology into the proceedings and by attacking the character of Judge Alito.

These attacks were criticized by Senator Bill Frist. "Those who oppose [Judge Alito] are smearing a decent and honorable man and imposing an unfair, political standard on all judicial nominees....I remain profoundly disappointed in the unfair and unseemly treatment of Judge Alito during this process. His judicial record has been distorted and mischaracterized. He has been labeled as “non-responsive” during the hearings – despite providing candid and articulate answers to more than 650 questions in over 18 hours of testimony, far more than many, perhaps any Supreme Court nominee in the past. And most sadly, he has been the victim of a calculated, but unsuccessful, campaign to smear his character, integrity, and credibility," Frist added.

So many of us have worked hard for change on the Supreme Court, starting with the 2004 elections. We have also communicated with the US Senate about the judicial nominations process. At this point in the proceedings, one more call is appropriate to our Senators, to say that any further delay on a vote, or attack on the ideology or character of the nominee, is offensive. If Senators oppose him, let them vote "No," and if they support him, let them vote "Yes," and let them do so at once. Call each of your two US Senators, at 202-224-3121.

Springfield, IL (Jan. 25, 2006) A new study published in Sleep, the official journal of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, has found that women who experienced abortion were more likely to be treated for sleep disorders or disturbances compared to women who gave birth.

The researchers, David Reardon of the Springfield, Ill.-based Elliot Institute and Priscilla Coleman of the University of Bowling Green, examined medical records for 56,284 low-income women in California who gave birth or underwent an abortion in the first six months of 1989. Researchers examined data for medical treatment for these women from July 1988 to June 1994 and excluded women who had been treated for sleep disturbances or disorders in the 12 to 18 months prior to abortion or delivery.

The findings showed that, up to four years following abortion or delivery, women who underwent abortions were more likely to be treated for sleep disorders following an induced abortion compared to a birth. The difference was greatest during the first 180 days after the end of the pregnancy, when aborting women were approximately twice as likely to seek treatment for sleep disorders. Significant differences between aborting and child bearing women persisted for three years.

Numerous studies have shown that trauma victims will often experience sleep difficulties. The authors believe their findings support a growing consensus that some women may have traumatic reactions to abortion.

A recent study published in the Medical Science Monitor in 2004, found that 65% percent of American women studied experienced multiple symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which they attributed to their abortions, and over 14 percent reported all the symptoms necessary for a clinical diagnosis of abortion induced PTSD. That study also found that 23% of the women reported sleeping difficulties they attributed to their abortions and 30% reported nightmares.

According to Reardon, a co-author of both studies, the prior study was limited by its reliance on women's self reported symptoms. "This new record-based study examines actual treatment rates for sleep disorders which have been confirmed by the treating physicians and it also has the advantage of employing an appropriate control group."

Reardon pointed out that the new study was limited by the fact that the authors did not have access to data on sleep disorders among women who had not been pregnant. He said more research is needed to see if women who have abortions are more likely to experience specific symptoms of sleep disturbance and whether those symptoms may be markers for PTSD and other psychiatric reactions.

Other recent studies have found that women with a history of abortion are subsequently at increased risk for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, substance abuse, suicidal tendencies, poor bonding with and parenting of later children, and psychiatric hospitalization.

I'm a Porsche 911!

You have a classic style, but you're up-to-date with the latest technology. You're ambitious, competitive, and you love to win. Performance, precision, and prestige - you're one of the elite,and you know it.

St. Paul was so influential and attractive a personality that he was able to draw such different types of men as Timothy and Titus and to make them his collaborators. Timothy and Titus were converted to Christianity by St Paul, and became his companions and helpers. They were were two of the most beloved and trusted disciples of St. Paul, whom they accompanied in many of his journeys. Paul made both men bishops and entrusted Timothy with the care of the Christians in Ephesus, and sent Titus to Crete to look after the Christians there. He wrote them “pastoral” epistles, giving advice for pastors and people alike.

Timothy was St. Paul's confidant. St. Timothy has been regarded by some as the "angel of the church of Ephesus", Rev 2:1-17. Titus was the negotiator, the one St. Paul sent to clear up misunderstandings, reconcile differences, and the one who would organize a new Church. He received a letter from St. Paul which encouraged Christians to live temperate, just, and devout lives, while awaiting the coming of Christ.

St. Timothy was stoned to death thirty years after St. Paul's martyrdom for having denounced the worship of the goddess Diana.

Tradition tells us that St. Titus died a natural death at the age of 94, having lived in the state of virginity during his whole life.

Be assured that he who shall always walk faithfully in God's presence, always ready to give Him an account of all his actions, shall never be separated from Him by consenting to sin.~ St Thomas Aquinas"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation."~ Mark 16:15

VATICAN CITY, JAN 25, 2006 (VIS) - Given below is a summary of Benedict XVI's first Encyclical, entitled "Deus caritas est" (God is love). Dated December 25, Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord, it considers the question of Christian love.

The Encyclical is divided into two long parts. The first, entitled, "The Unity of Love in Creation and in Salvation History," presents a theological- philosophical reflection on "love" in its various dimensions - "eros," "philia," and "agape" - highlighting certain vital aspects of God's love for man and the inherent links that such love has with human love. The second part, entitled "The Practice of Love by the Church as a 'Community of Love'," concerns the concrete implementation of the commandment to love others. [Entire Story]

Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Praise the Lord! Our prayers have been answered. NBC has dumped "The Book of Daniel".Here’s what Catholic League president Bill Donohue said today about NBC-TV’s decision to cancel “The Book of Daniel”:

“A story posted on worldnetdaily.com earlier in the day said that the NBC-TV show, ‘The Book of Daniel,’ has been cancelled. We have since confirmed the veracity of this story with an NBC affiliate producer; an internal memo has been released to that effect.

“This is good news for Christians, and bad news for those who get their jollies trying to disparage them. As I said in a news release on January 4, the decision to air this show about a totally dysfunctional Christian family was another example of Hollywood’s agenda. That was two days before the show premiered. But the very next day, we changed our tune: Kiera McCaffrey, the league’s director of communications, had an opportunity to preview the first two episodes, and after having done so she told ‘Entertainment Tonight’ that she ‘couldn’t be offended by it because it’s more moronic than anything else.’

“Our take on the show was not shared by many TV critics. Salt Lake City’s Deseret Morning News called it ‘the best thing to hit TV this season.’ The Chicago Sun-Times found it to be ‘well written and well-cast.’ People labeled it ‘more entertaining than offensive.’ USA Today branded it ‘wildly entertaining and superbly cast.’ The Detroit Free Press bragged about the ‘fine cast [and] clever writing.’ Entertainment Weekly said it was ‘refreshingly intelligent.’ And we said it was moronic.

“In a recent interview with Broadcasting & Cable, Jack Kenny, the show’s writer and producer, was asked whether NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly was going to stand by the show. ‘He [Reilly] has expressed to me complete faith in the show,’ said Kenny. Just yesterday, the website scifi.com ran a story saying that Reilly ‘told reporters that the network stands behind its decision to air’ the show. So much for loyalty.

“Hollywood could save itself a lot of money if they simply asked us to vet their shows. Our fee is high—obscenely high—but we’re worth it.”

Pope Benedict XVI has urged journalists to be responsible and objective, to search for truth rather than be content with superficial reports, and to protect family life.

These papal exhortations were contained in an annual message for the World Day of Social Communications, released by the Vatican on January 24. The full text of Pope Benedict's message is available on the Vatican web site.

Today I am praising the Lord and offering prayers of thanksgving for a successful and jubiliant Walk for Life in Washington, D.C. Thank you, Lord, for all those who participated in this celebration of life and for all those who supported this event with their prayers and sacrifices. You have given great hope to Your people!Today I am praying for...1. a gentleman who has been studying to be a deacon and needs prayer for his vocation and his marriage.2. my husband's health and special intentions.3. my health and healing from an accident involving injuries to my back and ankle so I can be in shape for my upcoming pilgrimage to Rome in February.4. For all Catholic writers and journalists that they will spread the good news and the Truth throughout the world and draw all people to the Lord through their work.5. For all those who are in need of healing -- especially those who are most in need of spiritual healing and conversion.6. For a renewal of the culture of life and a respect for all human life throughout the world from the moment of conception to natural death.7. For an increase in vocations to the religious life and for strength, support, and protection for all our priests and religious.

Francis was born on August 21, 1567, at the Chateau de Sales in Geneva, Switzerland to a noble family. He was a frail and delicate child, but very intelligent, humble, kind, loving, patient and gentle. He was educated in some of the best schools of that time period. At the age of thirteen, he attended the University of Paris where he studied theology. He then attended the University of Padua, where he earned his doctorate in law. His father desired that he become a lawyer and politician, but Francis desired to become a priest. In 1593, he was ordained. The Catholic Church at this time was losing many of its parishioners to the new churches of the Protestant Reformation. Francis set out to restore Catholicism to the area around Lake Geneva known as Chablais. For three years, he trudged through the countryside, his feet frozen and bleeding, as he trampled through the snow. No one would listen to him, so he wrote out his sermons, copying them by hand in the form of leaflets, and placed them under doors. It is said that he converted 40,000 people by the time he left to return home. In 1602, he was made Bishop of Geneva.He led and organized his diocese from his new residence at Annecy. His words of inspiration and wise counsel led many people to live out the gospel message in their lives. In 1610, he founded the Order of the Visitation with St. Jane Francis de Chantal, a good friend, with whom he shared his spiritual beliefs. Francis was overworked and often ill due to his heavy workload. However, he remained active, particularly using his talent for writing to assist him in ministering to others.Francis died at Lyons on December 28, 1622 and was buried at Annecy on January 24. He was canonized in 1665 and declared a Doctor of the Church in 1877 and Patron of the Catholic Press in 1923.Messages From St. Francis de Sales"Keep your heart very wide to receive in it all sorts of crosses and resignations or abnegations, for the love of Him who has received so many of them for us.""Faithfully attend to your obligations, but know that you have no greater obligation than that of your salvation and of the saving progress of your soul on the way to true devotion."" When you are sick, offer to Christ our Lord all your pains suffering, and your languor, and beseech Him to unite them to those He bore for you."~ Taken from Gold in the Furnace, copyright 2004, Jean M. Heimann